Osram’s Mercury Free Lighting for Ford Vehicles

The 2013 Ford F-150 is said to be the first mainstream pickup to feature a high intensity discharge (HID) headlamp system on select models.

Previously featuring standard tungsten halogen headlamps, these Ford F-150 models will benefit from improved light spread from side to side, and improved foreground and down-road illumination. In addition, HID generates light at a higher color temperature, so it’s whiter and more like natural daylight.

Osram says it is the only supplier in the world that offers a complete mercury-free HID lamp and ballast system and has introduced it on a number of Ford vehicles since the technology’s debut in 2007, showcasing Ford’s ongoing commitment to using environmentally sustainable automotive technology.

“The F-150 is an example of how HID is expanding into new market segments,” said Sharon Ernest, NAFTA Automotive HID Product Manager for Osram Sylvania Specialty Lighting. “We expect HID systems to continue to grow as more automakers are realizing the safety, energy and styling benefits the technology offers.”

According to Osram, mercury-free HID lamps provide four times the lumens per watt of traditional halogen light sources and are more efficient at converting electrical energy into light.

HID now comes standard on the 2013 F-150 Platinum and Limited editions and is available as an option on the FX2, FX4, Raptor, Lariat and King Ranch models, providing Ford with a great selling point for consumers who are interested in better visibility.

Ford and Osram collaborated during the preproduction phase to ensure the HID headlamps are “Built Ford Tough.” Engineers went beyond typical testing standards to ensure the headlights still perform well during times of high vibration like one would experience while off-roading.

Headquartered in Danvers, Mass., Osram Sylvania is the North American operation of Osram GmbH.